By Kate Bartlett
With Mardi Gras weekend upon us, the village of Ellicottville is again preparing for another day of festivities this Saturday, March 8th. It’s become an annual tradition for The Brass Machine, a Buffalo based brass band, to lead the parade on Saturday with their high-energy, New Orleans Style jazz music. They’ll then keep the party going at Villaggio with a live performance directly following the parade.
Founded in 2015 by front man Kyle Yagielski, The Brass Machine features a rotating cast of musicians featuring a wide variety of horns, guitars, keys, drums and more. As one of the hottest acts on the live music circuit today, Kyle describes The Brass Machine as a ‘brass gumbo’ of music weaving together funk, jazz, R&B, and more.
The Brass Machine has played the Mardi Gras parade for the past 3 years and feels fortunate to be a part of this event. Kyle describes the parade as a one-of-a-kind experience, a true “Mardi Gras” in the small town of Ellicottville. “The energy is just awesome,” explains Kyle. “It’s a super fun, family-friendly event. We bring that high-energy, New Orleans Style jazz that our band was founded on, and it creates an awesome vibe. Everyone is out lining the streets, throwing beads and candy, hugging each other, just having a good time.”
Following the parade, Buffalo Brass Machine will uphold their annual tradition of playing at Villaggio for an evening of high-energy, upbeat music. “This event really showcases the duality of our band,” remarks Kyle. “We get the opportunity to play homage to the genre that we founded the band, then at Villaggio we play a mix of popular cover songs and original music with our own original twist. Nick at Villaggio is incredible and we’re so thankful he hosts us every year. It’s great to see this community embracing and supporting local musicians.”
With more than 35 musicians in rotation, it’s almost impossible to put the same show on twice. “We have such a talented group of musicians, all with unique backgrounds and talents,” says Kyle. “I love assembling the lineup and combining different variations to set up interesting, unique performances.”
The musicians have fun playing together, and it shows during their performances. “It’s such a fun energy. The musicians enjoy having the freedom to play what they want, bringing their own flair to each and every show. We value each musicians unique background and invite them to let it shine.”
The Brass Machine will be celebrating their 10-year anniversary this fall. Over the past 10 years, the group has collected impressive accolades including performing alongside many national acts including Earth, Wind and Fire, Trey Anastasio, The Soul Rebels, Goose, Flaming Lips, Starship and many more. Festival appearances include Borderland (5x), Railrider Jamboree (3x), Rochester Jazz Fest, Night Lights, and Folk-face Face, among others. The band frequently plays many events and weddings, and is currently touring North East New York State with stops including Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Buffalo and well as Pennsylvania and Vermont.
Kyle also plays in a side project, Sousaphunk, which will be playing at the Ratchet Hatchett on Saturday, March 8th from 1-4pm. Kyle describes this 3-piece group as an upbeat tuba led jam group playing energetic hits from the Grateful Dead, Phish and more. “It’s just something you have to experience,” says Kyle. “We love surprising people with our music; putting our own style to many of the greatest hits.”
For more information https://www.thebrassmachine.com/ and see the band perform in the Mardi Grad Parade in Ellicottville March 8th, Villaggio immediately following. Follow on social media for updates.